Mark Logsdon, publicist for the band, tells TMZ ... drummer Joe Butlerand bassist Steve Booneheld a meeting shortly after Yester was charged, and decided he had to go. TMZ was told they don't have a replacement yet, so they've canceled concert dates until October 27 while they search.

The band says, "We are as numbed and shocked as the public is about these serious charges that have been brought against [Yester]."

TMZ broke the story ... 74-year-old Yester was busted last week and faces 30 counts of possession of child porn.